LoudReader

Free plan iPhoneMac

What LoudReader is

LoudReader is an iOS and macOS app that reads books and other text aloud while highlighting each word in time with the narration. You can import DRM-free EPUB and PDF files, including scanned PDFs processed with on-device text recognition, and save web articles. The app includes 23 studio narrators in 10 languages, although available voices depend on the device. Speech processing runs locally, allowing downloaded books and voices to work offline. Reading controls include adjustable speed, a sleep timer, soundscapes, night mode, notes, highlights, chapters, and background playback. LoudReader also offers more than 70,000 Project Gutenberg public-domain titles, subject to local copyright. No LoudReader account is required; Apple handles purchases and subscriptions. Imported books and reading data stay on the device, while analytics and diagnostics are enabled by default in version 1.12. The free plan costs nothing, Premium costs $7.99 a month, and Lifetime is listed at $199.99, paid once.

Who it suits

It suits readers who want synchronized audio for personal EPUBs, PDFs, articles, or public-domain books. It also fits people seeking local processing, offline listening, or voice choices across Apple devices.

What it does well

On-device speech processing supports offline listening
Imports EPUBs, PDFs, and scanned PDFs
23 narrators across 10 languages
Includes notes, highlights, and background playback
Free plan offers unlimited listening and imports

What to know first

Available only on Apple platforms
Analytics and diagnostics enabled by default in version 1.12
Free voices change after the first eight hours
Some browsing and downloads require network access

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Free	Unlimited listening · unlimited library and individual book imports · every available voice for first 8 hours, then a free English voice selection · curated classics and Project Gutenberg · notes, highlights, night mode and background play	Free
Premium	One-month introductory offer for eligible subscribers. · Every available studio narrator across 10 languages · on-device voice cloning without the trial creation limit · variable speed · sleep timer · ambient soundscapes · unlimited article saving and bulk-import usage	$7.99 a month
Premium	Every available studio narrator across 10 languages · on-device voice cloning without the trial creation limit · variable speed · sleep timer · ambient soundscapes · unlimited article saving and bulk-import usage	$49.99 a year
Lifetime	One-time purchase · Premium features permanently; does not renew	$199.99 a month
Lifetime	One-time purchase · Premium features permanently; does not renew	$199.99, paid once
Premium Lifetime	Every available studio narrator across 10 languages · on-device voice cloning without the trial creation limit · variable speed · sleep timer · ambient soundscapes · unlimited article saving and bulk-import usage	$199.99, paid once

As loudreader.io lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

LoudReader combines synchronized reading, local processing, broad file support, and Apple-device integration. Check the voice limits, platform requirements, and default analytics settings before choosing a plan.

Facts from LoudReader's own pages

Account and billing: A LoudReader account is not required, and Apple handles App Store purchases and subscriptions. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Analytics and diagnostics: The app uses TelemetryDeck product analytics and Sentry diagnostics, enabled by default in version 1.12 without separate in-app off switches. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Book catalogue: The app offers access to more than 70,000 Project Gutenberg public-domain titles, subject to local copyright. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
File support: Users can import DRM-free EPUBs and PDFs, including scanned PDFs with on-device text recognition, and save web articles. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · loudreader.io, 23 Sept 2026
Integrations: Users can share EPUBs, PDFs, and article links to LoudReader from Files, Safari, or other apps with a share button. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Languages: 10 · loudreader.io, 23 Sept 2026
Network use: Browsing or downloading books, opening articles, downloading voice models, purchases, analytics, and diagnostics may require network requests. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Offline use: Speech processing runs locally, so books and voices already available on the device can be used offline. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Platform requirements: LoudReader is available for iPhone, iPad, and compatible Apple Silicon Macs; the Mac download requires macOS 15 or later and iPhone requires iOS 18 or later. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Platforms: iOS,iPadOS,macOS · loudreader.io, 23 Sept 2026
Privacy: Imported books, notes, highlights, reading progress, and cached audio are stored on the device, while text-to-speech and voice cloning run locally without uploading book text or recordings to a speech service. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Purpose: LoudReader reads books and other text aloud with words highlighted in sync with narration. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Reading tools: Features include adjustable playback speed, a sleep timer, soundscapes, night mode, notes, highlights, chapters, and background playback. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Paid from: 7.99 · loudreader.io, 23 Sept 2026
Support: Support is available by email, with the support page saying the team aims to respond within 24 hours. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Voice catalogue: It offers 23 studio narrators across 10 languages, with voice availability depending on the device. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026
Voice cloning: Users can create a narrator on-device from about ten seconds of clear speech, and may create up to three clones during the all-voices trial. · loudreader.io, 12 Oct 2026

Where LoudReader stands on Freedom251

Text-to-Speech Software#81 of 223
Text-to-speech tools#141 of 232